Sunday, November 21, 2010

I've just become aware of what a 'Flash Mob' is. If you've never heard the term, a 'flash mob' is a group of people who rehearse a presentation privately and then present it in a public venue like a mall, transportation hub or anywhere else a large crowd of people may gather. It looks like a lot of fun and has become something of a recent cultural phenomena. If you've never seen what it looks like, the one below is one of the best that I've seen. This happened in a Food Court in Welland, Ontario.

﻿I've got to say, I love what happens here. A friend of mine wonders if the church should be doing this kind of thing. It strikes me that the question is somewhat moot because the original flash mob was performed by angels on the hills outside Bethlehem. The angels surprised a group of shepherds who had no idea that anything unusual was about to happen.

Once again, God is light years ahead of the coolest things that we do. Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Gordon Campbell resigned as Premier of British Columbia and Leader of the Liberal Party this morning in Vancouver. He has served as member of the BC Legislature for 16 years and as Premier since 2001. Prior to his election to the BC Legislature he also served 3 terms as Mayor of Vancouver. We wish to recognize Mr. Campbell's many years of public service and thank both him and his wife and family for the many hours of time and energy that he has given in service to British Columbia. We pray God's blessing upon Mr. Campbell and his wife as they move forward into a new chapter of their lives.

The BC Liberals will be choosing an interim leader who will act as Premier until a new leader can be chosen. We encourage our many ministry friends and prayer partners to make this matter a significant prayer focus as the decision will affect our province in very significant ways.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

For people who think politics is boring, here's a quick overview of the last month.

In the past month, the Leader of the Opposition removed a member from her caucus for comments made in the media that were construed as 'unsupportive'.

The BC Rail trial ended with an unexpected guilty plea and an agreement to cover the legal fees of the guilty parties.

The Premier shuffled the Cabinet. Some present it as a re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Some present it as repositioning of leaders for the future. Talk shows were presenting it as adding confusion to the average British Columbian who wouldn't know who to contact for assistance now when they needed help. REALITY CHECK: Cabinet Shuffles happen periodically. The sun will come up tomorrow. NEWS FLASH! Talk show hosts are intentionally provocative and outrageous. It's what keeps you tuning in. For a dose of common sense, talk to your friends and neighbours.

One member tried to make a joke at anothers expense. It was a poor choice of words and became much more than intended. A good man made a mistake and another good man accepted his apology. Behind the scenes, leaders were gracious to each other.

In the past week, the Premier has addressed British Columbians on TV, during prime time which makes perfect sense, opposite the World Series.... He's in a difficult situation to say the least. The government had a follow up caucus meeting and is scheduled to have an Emergency Caucus meeting later this week.

There is NEVER a dull moment in BC politics. The question that comes to mind is 'Where is God in all of this?' When we think of God being in control, we often assume that means a situation without turmoil or tension. I see God creating order out of chaos in Genesis during creation, but I also see God creating chaos when He floods the earth.

While I like order and stability, I realize that's more about me and my needs than it really is about how God prefers it. God does not appear to be a respecter of order or chaos because HE transcends both. I think that this matters in terms of what is happening within the political realm of our province. God is up to something. I'd like to say that I know specifically what it is, but frankly, I have no idea. I just know that He is always in control and always working to accomplish His eternal purposes and plans.

The current situation presents us with a tremendous opportunity to engage in our greatest responsibility as people who belong to God. We must pray! And we must pray without ceasing. God is working out his plan for the lives of those who lead us regardless of their political affiliation. More than anything else, we must pray for them that they would encounter His love, grace and mercy at a personal level. At the same time, God has a purpose and a plan for our province. He works out His plan within our political system in the midst of chaos and tension. Here too, we must pray while He does, for it is only GOD who can make British Columbia 'The Greatest Place on Earth'.